WHO global health estimates: key findings
WHO's new global health estimates show life expectancy recovering, while chronic diseases account for a growing share of deaths. Here are the key findings.
Published 3 October 2026 • Source update: 2 October 2026
What the new figures show
The World Health Organization released estimates covering 2000–2023. Global life expectancy reached 73.3 years in 2023, close to 73.4 years in 2019.
- Healthy life expectancy: 62.8 years, still below its 2019 level.
- Noncommunicable diseases: 74% of global deaths, up from 58% in 2000.
- Leading causes: eight of the ten leading causes of death were noncommunicable diseases.
Why this matters
The recovery in lifespan does not mean healthy years have fully recovered. The findings highlight the need for health systems to address changing needs, including cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.
Read the figures in context
These are population estimates for 2023, published in 2026. They do not predict an individual's lifespan.
Source: WHO's global health estimates update.
